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Rh there are convents; and surely in one of them a noble Spanish maiden may find temporary refuge. I ask no further assistance, Signor, than to point out one which may serve for a present abode." "A convent!—the best place too," muttered the incorrigible shrew—"a convent! your best possible plan! I was sure a lady of your noble birth and habits could never condescend to put up with our humble home. The convent of St. Valerie is close at hand. I know a little of the superior. There were new gold clasps put to her missal from our very shop—richly embossed they were. But the pension is high." "It matters not," said Beatrice; "my stay will be but short, and my father will not grudge the expense of his child. Besides, I have jewels—you must be aware of the value of these," drawing forth the bright cross made from the choicest rubies of Peru. "Keep it yourself, Donna," said Pachetti, who seemed to take spirit from Beatrice's firmness—"I have ample funds of Don Henriquez'—a liberal gentleman he is." "I would wish to set off at once—I can myself tell the Abbess my story. I need only